When Hoover Dam was finished in 1935 it was the tallest and the largest hydroelectric producer in the world. Things have change since then and it now ranks about 20th in height. And when it comes to the largest dam by volume of material to build it or the amount of power it generates, it also has a hard time competing. But, to see this amazing piece of engineering in person is still awe inspiring.
Being an American landmark and originally the largest dam in the world, we thought it was worth a trip to see it for ourselves. We first viewed it from the the new bypass bridge that just opened last year. The pedestrian walkway on the bridge provided great views of Lake Mead, the dam and the Colorado River below the Dam.
above: A view of the new bridge from the dam.
Snaking through an underground tunnel system, we also toured one of the powerhouses 500 feet below the top of the dam. We were able to see the massive generators and the gigantic pipes carrying water from the lake to the generators. A powerful hum vibrated through our bodies and escorted us throughout the tour until we emerged at the end.
A walk across the top of the dam gave us great views of Lake Mead, the mammoth wall of the dam itself, the intake towers and spillways as well as the powerhouses below. I just kept thinking that this was an awesome feat considering the equipment and technology in the 1930’s.
Above: It was 3:30pm in Arizona and 2:30 pm in Nevada…..at the same time (Arizona doesn’t recognize daylight savings time)
There was also great attention to detail as art deco designs are incorporated into the doorways, intake towers and dedication platform. Terrazzo with southwestern inlays decorate the interior powerhouse floors and brass surrounds elevator entrances.
The dam was originally built, as most dams are, to control flooding, provide a power source for a growing population and to provide a year round water source for irrigation. The Hoover Dam provides water and power to Arizona, Nevada and California.
above: The water level in the reservoir is well below normal due to drought.
Although claiming to be a clean renewable resource, the construction of dams also displace people, destroy fish habitats and disrupt the natural ecology of rivers and their watersheds.
above: Rubbing the feet of the statues on the dedication platform is supposed to “bring good luck”.
A 2009 article claimed that there were 845,000 dams throughout the world, 80,000 in the United States alone, numbers I found to be astounding. I can’t even begin to understand the environmental impact these dams might have. As impressed as I am with mans ability to build something like the Hoover Dam and to conquer nature, I would really be impressed if man could move forward and find a means of supporting mankind in a way that works with nature instead of controlling or altering it.
above: A portion of Lake Mead by Boulder City.
“This morning I came, I saw, and I was conquered, as everyone would be who sees for the first time this great feat of mankind.” Franklin Roosevelt
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